P.K. Yonge fans thrilled after making Lakeland trip

A large contingent of P.K. Yonge students and fans made the trip from Gainesville to Polk County to see their beloved Blue Wave go for their second state title.

By Larry SavageStaff writer

LAKELAND — A large contingent of P.K. Yonge students and fans made the trip from Gainesville to Polk County to see their beloved Blue Wave go for their second state title in three years in girls basketball.And they wouldn't be disappointed, as McDonald's All-American Niya Johnson led P.K. Yonge in the second half, scoring 18 of her 24 points in a 58-43 victory for the FHSAA Class 3A state championship. The school had won its fourth title in the sport, and seniors like Johnson and Aariel Allen finished their high school careers with two state titles and three final four appearances.“I'm so excited for her,” said Jewell Johnson, Niya's mother. “She puts in a lot of work. She's dedicated and loves her team. She is very disciplined with the ball and likes to get all her teammates involved. Niya is a very humble child for all the awards she has received.”A glimpse to Johnson's future was also in the stands, but on the other side of where the P.K. Yonge crowd gathered. Kim Mulkey, women's head basketball coach at No. 1 Baylor, was watching one of her prized recruits in action. “It's a blessing to the family,” said Keisha Jones, Niya's aunt. “She is not selfish at all. She knows how to get her teammates involved.”Jordyn Saulsberry, standout volleyball player for the Blue Wave and the Sun's Small School Player of the Year, said she had to support her school.“When they played (Tallahassee) Maclay I had come watch because we lost to them (in volleyball),” Saulsberry said. “I had to come cheer them on, hoping they would win. They played so good, I don't even usually watch basketball.”Johnny Arnette, a longtime graduate of P.K. Yonge, said he was impressed with how well the girls played together.“They really played hard,” he said. “This whole season they have been a great second-half team. She (Johnson) did a great job, which she has done all season.”For coach Willie Powers, this state title was especially rewarding with his daughter, Andrea, as a member of the team. Less than two weeks after the Blue Wave won their previous state title in 2010, Andrea Powers was involved in a car accident and was in a coma for four days.To see the senior run out of the tunnel, in the state championship game, meant a lot to Willie Powers, a P.K. Yonge graduate himself. On his state title team in 2010 was his older daughter, Patrice Powers.“This feeling is unbelievable,” he said. “The first time I was in shock. But this one is more unbelievable. To see my daughter running out of the tunnel, and two years ago I almost lost her. For her to be a part of this really meant a lot to me. The kids really don't know how special that felt for her to be a part of this special occasion.”

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